Van Pelt sneaks past Overton in Malaysia

Selangor, Malaysia – Bo Van Pelt birdied three of his final four holes Saturday to sneak past Jeff Overton and into the lead after three rounds of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia.

Van Pelt shot a four-under 67 after two opening bogeys and finished 54 holes at 16-under 197 to take a two-shot lead at The Mines Resort & Golf Club. Although this is an unofficial PGA Tour event, Van Pelt is looking for his first victory since 2009.

The key to Van Pelt's round was recovering after his brutal start, falling back to 10-under before making a run.

"I think it just comes from experience," Van Pelt said in a televised interview. "I've been in this position before and been playing this game a long time, and I just didn't make a big deal about it."

Both 36-hole co-leaders struggled on Saturday, but still have a chance at the title on Sunday.

Overton led most of the afternoon, despite only two birdies in his first 13 bogey-free holes. He lost his way on 14, however, hitting a poor chip shot from off the green en route to a bogey. He had two more poor chips that prevented a couple birdie chances down the stretch, but ended with a sensational approach at 18 and a birdie that gave him a 69 for the round and a 15-under 198 overall.

Fredrik Jacobson, who shared the lead with Overton, was inconsistent all day and finished at even-par 71 to fall to fourth at 12-under 201. Mark Wilson jumped ahead of Jacobson after shooting a 67 and is third at minus-13.

Jason Dufner (65), Danny Chia (66) and Vijay Singh (66) share fifth at 11- under 202.

MORE TO FOLLOW.